Hal Williams, the esteemed actor recognised for his significant contributions to American television, particularly in the sitcoms Sanford and Son and 227, has died at the age of 91. His representative confirmed that Williams passed away peacefully at his residence in California on 15 July 2026.
Williams embarked on his acting career later in life, making his move to Los Angeles in 1968 when he was already in his 30s. Prior to finding fame on screen, he held various roles, including working as a postal worker and a corrections officer. This late start informed his perspective on the industry, as he often advised aspiring actors about the dedication required, stating, "Overnight sensations usually take 25 years."
He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Officer 'Smitty' Smith in 22 episodes of Sanford and Son, a popular sitcom which aired from 1972 to 1977. The series was an American adaptation by Norman Lear of the beloved British television show Steptoe and Son. During his time on Sanford and Son, Williams notably continued to work an overnight shift at the post office, indicating the financial realities of an acting career in its early stages.
Later in his career, Williams cemented his legacy with the role of Lester Jenkins in 227, a sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1990. In this series, he starred alongside Marla Gibbs, Regina King, and Jackée Harry. Harry, reflecting on his passing, praised him on Instagram as "a stand-up guy who believed Black fathers on TV should be loving, present, and compassionate. He helped show America what that looked like."
Beyond his prominent television roles, Williams also appeared in a variety of films, including Herbie Rides Again, Private Benjamin, and The Rookie. He reprised his role from Private Benjamin in a television series spin-off. His extensive small-screen credits also included guest appearances in classic shows such as The Waltons, The Dukes of Hazzard, and more recently, the Kathy Bates-led remake of Matlock. Williams reflected in 2022 on the progress within the industry, noting the increase in Black producers, writers, and directors, crediting his generation with opening those doors.